[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E1124]]

 IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM ROBERTSON, MILWAUKEE POLICE OFFICER SLAIN IN 1994

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 1995
  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, the somber memorial held last 
week on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC, honoring the 157 police and 
Federal agents killed in the line of duty in 1994 included an excellent 
police officer who worked and lived in my community.
  In the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 7, 1994, Officer 
William Robertson, age 31, was shot and fatally wounded by a sniper 
while on patrol with his partner. An unknown assailant, without any 
provocation or confrontation, murdered a dedicated Milwaukee Police 
officer and in the process shattered the lives of many people.
  William Robertson joined the Milwaukee Police Department in September 
1993 after 6 years of exemplary service with the Whitefish Bay Police 
Department. Mr. Robertson received three commendations for outstanding 
service while serving the citizens of Whitefish Bay, including one for 
removing an unconscious driver from a burning car after an accident. He 
was respected by his peers and received much praise from his 
supervisors for his willingness to learn and to teach others.
  William Robertson's ultimate career goal was to be in a classroom 
teaching recruits at the Milwaukee Police Academy. Helping others, 
especially disadvantaged children, was a way of life for Mr. Robertson. 
He volunteered much of his time helping the Special Olympics, including 
raising funds for the charity. He was a key organizer of the Wisconsin 
Law Enforcement Torch Run, a statewide relay race that benefits the 
Special Olympics.
  Less than eight weeks after his untimely death, Mary Robertson, his 
widow, gave birth to healthy twins. A son named William Arthur and a 
daughter named Kayla Mary were born into the world oblivious to the 
perils that had taken their father's life.
  As Americans pause to honor the 157 fallen law enforcement officials, 
I especially salute the service of Milwaukee Police Officer William 
Robertson and offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I 
am grateful for all the police officers who, like Officer Robertson, 
risk their lives everyday to make Milwaukee a safe place to live.


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